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These fine sessions caused a lot of discord in the Armstrong household. Columbia records approached Lil Hardin-Armstrong about writing and recording some songs. Louis was not allowed to play on the tracks because he was under contract with Okeh at the time, but Louis and Lil collaborated on the writing of three of the songs.

When the records came out, only Louis Armstrong’s name was printed on the records, making it seem that he played on the records. Louis was furious and slapped Lil and accused her of knowing all about the deal and of spending his share of the composer’s fee. The other two records of this session were released under the name of the New Orleans Bootblacks. Despite the domestic drama, these are some of Lil’s best recordings. She claimed that she completely scored Perdido Street Blues, to the point of even writing out the solos.

discography

Title Recording Date Recording Location Company
Gate Mouth
(Louis Armstrong)
7-13-1926 Chicago, Illinois Columbia
698-D
Papa Dip
(Louis Armstrong)
7-13-1926 Chicago, Illinois Columbia
735-D
Perdido Street Blues
(Louis Armstrong)
7-13-1926 Chicago, Illinois Columbia
698-D
Too Tight
(Louis Armstrong)
7-13-1926 Chicago, Illinois Columbia
735-D

Artist Instrument
Lil Hardin-Armstrong Piano
Baby Dodds Drums
Johnny Dodds Clarinet
George Mitchell Cornet
Kid Ory Trombone
Johnny St. Cyr Banjo

 

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